Chapter 3 Understanding and segmenting customers.

Chapter 3 Understanding and segmenting customers

After going through this chapter, you should be able to: understand a number of core concepts that explain hospitality consumer and organizational customers behaviour discuss the role of customer expectations identify the factors that influence the hospitality consumer, buyer and organizational customer decision-making process explain the principles of segmenting demand in hospitality markets describe hospitality segmentation variables evaluate the characteristics of hospitality target markets

Marketers study consumer behaviour to understand and predict what customers will buy, how and why Marketers need to understand the processes consumers go through in buying and consuming hospitality products If we can understand who buys which hospitality products where, when and why, then we can influence demand By understanding and meeting customer expectations, companies can better deliver customer satisfaction

Key economic factor is consumer disposable income When there is: strong economic growth low employment opportunities higher consumer confidence - then there is an increase in consumption When there is: economic downturn/recession low employment opportunities lower consumer confidence - then there is a decrease in consumption

Individual consumer buyer behaviour can be categorized into: socio-cultural influences individual differences contextual circumstances

Figure 3.1 Figure 3.1 Influences on individual hospitality consumers

Consumers perception of the risk associated with buying a hospitality product influences the purchase decision Financial risk When a large amount of money is at stake major hospitality purchases Social risk When hospitality products have a social significance for consumers Psychological risk When consumers perceive a threat to their self- image and self-esteem

Consumers vary regarding the level of involvement they have in purchasing decisions A high-involvement purchase decision is one that is personally significant/relevant A low-involvement purchase decision is a routine decision with limited significant/relevance Involvement tends to vary between: individuals (some people are highly involved in many decisions) products (some products are more involving than others) context (the level of involvement can vary across purchasing contexts)

1. Consumer identifies a need 2. Need may be caused by internal conditions or external stimuli 3. Low-involvement product = routinized buying decision 4. High-involvement product = search for information to make decision 5. Search process can be internal or external: an internal search uses memory to recall previous experiences (or information) to provide solution if the internal search does not provide a solution, then the consumer engages in external search consumers evaluate alternatives and make decision

Customers have expectations of hospitality encounters, which marketers must meet if customers are to be satisfied Zones of tolerance: ideal level what can be desired level what should be predicted level what will be minimum tolerable what must be Factors influencing customers zone of tolerance: customers personality and current circumstances importance of the purchase occasion characteristics of the product price

Organizations have a different approach to the buying process compared with individual consumers differences include: number of participants involved in the organizations purchase users are not always the buyers complexity of the arrangements (numbers, travel, accommodation, catering and entertainment) technical requirements The decision making unit (DMU): Users are the customers who consume hospitality products Influencers are people who influence any part of the decision Deciders are the people who actually make the purchase decisions Buyers are the people who make and pay for the booking Gatekeepers are people who control the flow of information to other members of the DMU

Segmentation is the starting point for developing effective marketing strategies because: trying to target all consumers is not cost- effective identifying the characteristics of target markets means the hospitality offer can be designed to satisfy customers more effectively providing a more focused and cost-effective marketing strategy improves profitability by maximizing customer satisfaction, generating repeat and recommended sales

Specify the market Establish segmentation criteria Generate segmentation variables Evaluate market segment profiles Evaluate companys competences to serve selected segments

Figure 3.2 Hospitality market segments

The primary segmentation variable is purpose of travel Three main categories are: business leisure visiting friends and relatives (VFR) Each of these main categories can be subdivided into several distinct market segments Key point is that the same person can have different customer needs and wants depending on whether the purpose of travel is business, non-business or VFR

Accommodation business customers tend to: be less price sensitive, employer pays for hospitality and travel expenses have shorter stays (one night or only a few) be more frequent, or regular, users of hotel accommodation stay at establishments that are within a reasonable (5 3 0 min) travel time of their place of work less seasonal

Accommodation leisure customers tend to: be more price sensitive than business travellers, since they are paying for the accommodation out of their own after-tax income be more likely to stay longer on each trip be less-frequent users of hotel accommodation (unless also business travellers) stay at establishments that are close to leisure amenities and tourist attractions be much more seasonal

Geographic Demographic Age Gender Family size/structure Socio-economic class Ethnic origin, religion and nationality Buyer needs and benefits Price/product Current user status Brand loyalty Purchase occasion Size of party Lifestyle (or psychographics) Time

Figure 3.3 Figure 3.3 Guest usage status

Companies need to evaluate the potential of market segments using the following criteria: Market data size, growth, accessibility, consumer needs and wants and benefits sought, customer power Competitor analysis number of competitors, their market share, capabilities, resources, strengths and weaknesses, differentiators and profitability and the potential for new entrants Internal company audit capability of servicing the market segment, compatibility with existing and future segments, and compatibility with the companys resources and values

Consumer target markets: families international outbound market e.g. China seniors market Organizational target markets corporate travel MICE meetings; incentive; conferences; exhibitions aircrew tour groups SMERFE social, military, educational, religious, fraternal and ethnic intermediaries

Figure 3.4 Best Western advert targeting classical music lovers

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Chapter 3 Understanding and segmenting customers.

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